If it looks like a duck…

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Poultry, Veggies and Sides, Sauces and Such, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on November 9, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
The October issue of Bon Appetit had a feature article on partying like our parents. The take away was that entertaining matters—“that rallying your friends together is essential, that being a generous host is one of the most fulfilling things you can do, and that at the end of the night, it really is worth all the effort.” I couldn’t agree more.
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grill on

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Meat, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on June 30, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Can’t believe tomorrow is July. That said it is time to get your grill on! One of the things I like best about grilling is that most things need to be marinated and that means prepped and placed in a bag hours ahead of time. Another little secret is that most grilled meats should sit for at least fifteen minutes. And if that’s the case then why not
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reboot

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Sauces and Such, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on April 29, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
There are times when your battery is so low it’s unable to hold a charge. Last week my husband and I headed west to our house in the desert. It wasn’t until the third day that I realized how utterly drained I’ve been. This long winter has had more than it’s share of loss. Each time I’ve attempted to apply myself to some project I’ve succeeded only
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a super bowl

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Soups, Supper, Sources, Posted on January 22, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Dayton Daily News asked if I would be an entertaining expert on a column about throwing the best Super Bowl Party. I had to laugh- me providing insight to the mother of all football gatherings. In all my years of entertaining I don’t think I’ve ever had a Super Bowl party. I don’t even really watch that much TV let alone have a man-cave setup with
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major coup

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Lunch, Posted on November 5, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Nothing beats Saturday night supper for four. As fortune would have it my husband and I were invited for such a dinner last weekend. And to up the ante, not only were our host and hostess delightful friends but incredible cooks. Simmering bolognese greeted us we entered, letting us know we were in for a real treat. But what caught me by surprise
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côte à côte

food detective
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on October 28, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
The other day I was pushing my cart down the frozen food aisle at Trader Joes when my eye spied the most adorable carrots. These frozen little gems looked just like teeny pumpkins in a frost. I had a flashback to my catering days in the 1970’s when turned vegetables (or tournage de legumes) were all the rage. If you’ve never turned a vegetable you
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italian breakdown

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on October 21, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Homegrown tomatoes still grace the shelves at the market though there is a distinct chill in the air. And while it’s not quite sweater weather I find myself craving comfort food. Time to figure out a way to bridge the seasons with a meal that is as comforting as cashmere but light enough to stand up to these last nights of Indian summer. I adore
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listen up

food detective
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on September 22, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Thomas Keller’s ears should be burning. I have been raving nonstop about his killer creamed corn recipe. It is literally off the chart. The secret it turns out is freshly grated lime zest and big spritz of lime juice. Combine this with just picked sweet corn and you’re hard pressed to find a more sensational side. Living in southern Ohio there is
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hump day

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on July 2, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
One of my favorite things about Wednesday is the dining section in the New York Times. I love how the articles shed new light on many a staple and always seem to transport me out of my humble kitchen. Magically this happened a couple of weeks ago when Section D sported a spread on reimagining the picnic. I was eager to try my hand at the featured
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summer sleuth

food detective
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on June 10, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
I am shameless when in hot pursuit of a recipe. But procuring someone’s secret dish usually takes time and clandestine skill. Most people need to be gently coerced and it often takes several attempts, gleaning small pieces at each swipe until just like a jigsaw it falls perfectly into place. One of my husband and my favorite spots is Deep Springs
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